SUNDERLAND have successfully fended off strong interest from Manchester United by persuading one of the country’s most promising goalkeepers to commit his future to the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats - who are ready to allow Sebastian Coates to head to Sporting Lisbon on loan - had become aware of growing interest in Jordan Pickford over the last six months and that prompted Sam Allardyce to bring him back from a loan at Preston early to take a closer look.

Manchester United had shown the strongest interest in the England Under-21 international, but both Liverpool and Tottenham are known to have been keeping tabs on him too. There were also clubs outside the Premier League keen to take him on loan again.

The Northern Echo: Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford acknowledges the travelling fans after the final whistle of the Emirates FA Cup, third round game at the Emirates Stadium, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday January 9, 2016. See PA story SOCCER A
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford acknowledges the travelling fans after the final whistle of the FA Cup, third round game at the Emirates Stadium

But Pickford’s attitude and love for Sunderland, who he has supported since he was a boy, was a huge factor in him deciding to sign a new contract until 2020, having first signed as an eight-year-old in 2002.

And the progress in contract talks meant Allardyce could allow Costel Pantilimon to head for Watford, with the Washington-born shot-stopped more confident he is set for a greater role at Sunderland in the coming months and years.

Pickford, who was handed his Premier League debut at Tottenham a week after starting in the FA cup at Arsenal, has impressed Allardyce with his attitude and approach since returning from his loan at Preston – and the manager is convinced the shot-stopper can handle the biggest occasions.

Allardyce said: “Have you met him? He's got no fear, he's playing without fear and he's got confidence in his own ability.

“There’s a great sense of ease when it comes to you as a manager, selecting him, it's allowed me to let Costel go on the basis of what he's done before here and what he's done in training, which we see every day, which is very impressive.”

Sunderland have not produced as many Academy talents on to the first team stage as they would like over the last few years, but there is a belief Pickford can go on to become a real gem.

Allardyce, who has signed former Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper to provide back up and experience to help nurture Pickford, said: “Jordan is an exceptional talent, who has already demonstrated that he is comfortable playing at the highest level.

“At the tender age of just 21, which is still very young in goalkeeping terms, there is still a lot more potential for development, which is really exciting for us.

“It’s always great to see a local lad progress through the academy ranks, especially for our fans and I am certain that Jordan has a very bright future ahead of him here at Sunderland.”

With the goalkeeper situation sorted, Allardyce will spend the next six days trying to make a number of additions to his squad in other areas.

Swansea’s Andre Ayew remains the top target, although there has been no fresh offer involving Fabio Borini as part of a £10m swap deal. It is understood that was mooted last week and is still an option Sunderland are keen to explore.

Sunderland are also looking to improve their defensive ranks and have, once again, tried to revive a deal for Lorient’s Lamine Kone, who has twice seen a proposed move to Wearside breakdown already this month.

And it has emerged Sunderland have been in touch with Arsenal to discuss the possibility of taking former Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy on loan for the rest of the season.

Allardyce needs further additions at the back, particularly given the proposed move of Coates to Lisbon. He looks set for a loan switch which will have a view to a permanent move in the summer.

 

Sunderland’s Under-21s, meanwhile, have been drawn at home to PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals of the Barclays U21 Premier League International Cup. It will take place on Friday, February 5 at 7pm.